If Things Break The Cubs Way...

[CubsWin]

Jim Hendry failed to land the big free agent fish again this off season. IMO, Brian Giles was the biggest of the big fish with others like B.J. Ryan, A.J. Burnett, Rafael Furcal and Kevin Millwood also going elsewhere.

 

It may never be known if Hendry ever had a legitimate chance to lure Giles and others to the northside, but if things break the Cubs way this season, the players Hendry did bring in could make for some interesting trade opportunities this summer.

 

Teams are always looking for effective and talented arms, be they starters or relievers. If the Cubs finally catch a break, they may have plenty of both to deal come this summer. If Williamson returns to his previous form, as his late-September performance showed he can, players like Michael Wuertz and Roberto Novoa can easily be traded. If Kerry Wood and Wade Miller can stay healthy and perform well, you can add Glendon Rusch and Jerome Williams to that list. If the Cubs want to keep Williams around as a replacement for Maddux in '07, Scott Williamson becomes available as Williams would move to the pen. And we haven't even mentioned Angel Guzman or Rich Hill yet. What pitchers could be traded if either one of those guys steps up? It is interesting to note that not all of the possible "breaks" have to go the Cubs way in order for Hendry to have a lot of quality arms to deal, just some of them.

 

It is difficult to determine at this point who might be available to trade for in June or July. But I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility to see Jones sliding over to LF and packaging Murton with several major league ready arms for a really good RFer. Or if Murton is going really good, trading Jones with several arms instead. Perhaps a trade for a SS could still happen mid-season with Cedeno either moving to 2B or being included in the deal. Walker could certainly still go with Hairston being fully healthy again. If they acquire a SS or 2B who is a lead-off hitter, perhaps Pierre could be dealt with Pie taking his place in CF assuming Felix continues to improve at AAA.

 

The signing of Jones to a 3-year contract still baffles me, but the additions of Pierre, Eyre, Howry, Miller and the re-signings of Rusch and Walker have given Hendry plenty of options come June and July. Now the question is, can he turn those options into OBP and a great, power-hitting RFer before the trade deadline? And if he can, will it be too little, too late?

[Backtobanks]

Jim Hendry failed to land the big free agent fish again this off season. IMO, Brian Giles was the biggest of the big fish with others like B.J. Ryan, A.J. Burnett, Rafael Furcal and Kevin Millwood also going elsewhere.

 

It may never be known if Hendry ever had a legitimate chance to lure Giles and others to the northside, but if things break the Cubs way this season, the players Hendry did bring in could make for some interesting trade opportunities this summer.

 

Teams are always looking for effective and talented arms, be they starters or relievers. If the Cubs finally catch a break, they may have plenty of both to deal come this summer. If Williamson returns to his previous form, as his late-September performance showed he can, players like Michael Wuertz and Roberto Novoa can easily be traded. If Kerry Wood and Wade Miller can stay healthy and perform well, you can add Glendon Rusch and Jerome Williams to that list. If the Cubs want to keep Williams around as a replacement for Maddux in '07, Scott Williamson becomes available as Williams would move to the pen. And we haven't even mentioned Angel Guzman or Rich Hill yet. What pitchers could be traded if either one of those guys steps up? It is interesting to note that not all of the possible "breaks" have to go the Cubs way in order for Hendry to have a lot of quality arms to deal, just some of them.

 

It is difficult to determine at this point who might be available to trade for in June or July. But I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility to see Jones sliding over to LF and packaging Murton with several major league ready arms for a really good RFer. Or if Murton is going really good, trading Jones with several arms instead. Perhaps a trade for a SS could still happen mid-season with Cedeno either moving to 2B or being included in the deal. Walker could certainly still go with Hairston being fully healthy again. If they acquire a SS or 2B who is a lead-off hitter, perhaps Pierre could be dealt with Pie taking his place in CF assuming Felix continues to improve at AAA.

 

The signing of Jones to a 3-year contract still baffles me, but the additions of Pierre, Eyre, Howry, Miller and the re-signings of Rusch and Walker have given Hendry plenty of options come June and July. Now the question is, can he turn those options into OBP and a great, power-hitting RFer before the trade deadline? And if he can, will it be too little, too late?

 

I've been saying the same thing for quite awhile. The Cubs are in a great position for a midseason trade as long as they can stay competitive. As you said, they are loaded with trade bait and have the money to add a high priced star at midseason. I think there is a good possibility Dunn and/or Tejada will be available as the Reds and Orioles start to realize they aren't going anywhere in their respective divisions and won't be contenders for the forseeable future. If any OF is available, I'm hoping Jones will be part of the deal or will become the 4th OF because I think Murton is the real deal. Obviously, the key to staying competitive and being in the position to make that big deal hinges on the health of Wood, Guzman, Williamson, and Miller. With all (or most) of that pitching healthy and the potential of Novoa, Wuertz, and Hill, the Cubs will be overstocked with major league pitching.

[CP_414]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

[snoodmonger]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

 

I would.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

 

Depending on where the teams are in the standings, I think the following could be moved:

 

1. Soriano. My guess is he's moved sooner than later, but if he's a National on July 31 and if the Nationals are out of the race, he's going to be finding a new home.

 

2. Moises Alou: If the Giants falter again, I can see Alou finding a new home.

 

3. Schmidt: See Alou.

 

4. Luis Gonzalez: He has a no-trade clause, and so he's a bit more tricky. I'm sure he'll be shopped if Arizona isn't in contention.

 

5. Adam Dunn: Yes, Dunn just signed a three-year deal, but the last year is voided if he's traded. That means the Reds simply bought out his arby years which could make him more cost certain for a team acquiring him. I don't assume he'll be traded, but it could happen.

 

6. Tejada: I figure this would be a long shot, but it could happen. It would be a costly move for whoever acquires him.

 

7. Huff and Lugo: Both of these will find a new home between now and July 31.

 

8. Zito: If the A's are out of it, yes, but I doubt the A's will be out of it.

 

As the divisional races begin to shake out in June or July, this picture will become much clearer.

[srbin84]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

 

Depending on where the teams are in the standings, I think the following could be moved:

 

1. Soriano. My guess is he's moved sooner than later, but if he's a National on July 31 and if the Nationals are out of the race, he's going to be finding a new home.

 

2. Moises Alou: If the Giants falter again, I can see Alou finding a new home.

 

3. Schmidt: See Alou.

 

4. Luis Gonzalez: He has a no-trade clause, and so he's a bit more tricky. I'm sure he'll be shopped if Arizona isn't in contention.

 

5. Adam Dunn: Yes, Dunn just signed a three-year deal, but the last year is voided if he's traded. That means the Reds simply bought out his arby years which could make him more cost certain for a team acquiring him. I don't assume he'll be traded, but it could happen.

 

6. Tejada: I figure this would be a long shot, but it could happen. It would be a costly move for whoever acquires him.

 

7. Huff and Lugo: Both of these will find a new home between now and July 31.

 

8. Zito: If the A's are out of it, yes, but I doubt the A's will be out of it.

 

As the divisional races begin to shake out in June or July, this picture will become much clearer.

 

If I were the Cubs, I would only be interested in possibly acquiring Lugo or Schmidt, and even then, only for minor league prospects and middle relievers. I have no interest in Alou in this point in his career, but I'd still take him over Huff hands down. Huff stinks and even if we could have him for free, I wouldn't start him at any position he has played. The rest figure to be very pricey and command major league players.

[noisesquared]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

 

Depending on where the teams are in the standings, I think the following could be moved:

 

1. Soriano. My guess is he's moved sooner than later, but if he's a National on July 31 and if the Nationals are out of the race, he's going to be finding a new home.

 

2. Moises Alou: If the Giants falter again, I can see Alou finding a new home.

 

3. Schmidt: See Alou.

 

4. Luis Gonzalez: He has a no-trade clause, and so he's a bit more tricky. I'm sure he'll be shopped if Arizona isn't in contention.

 

5. Adam Dunn: Yes, Dunn just signed a three-year deal, but the last year is voided if he's traded. That means the Reds simply bought out his arby years which could make him more cost certain for a team acquiring him. I don't assume he'll be traded, but it could happen.

 

6. Tejada: I figure this would be a long shot, but it could happen. It would be a costly move for whoever acquires him.

 

7. Huff and Lugo: Both of these will find a new home between now and July 31.

 

8. Zito: If the A's are out of it, yes, but I doubt the A's will be out of it.

 

As the divisional races begin to shake out in June or July, this picture will become much clearer.

 

A couple of opinions/observations:

- I don't think one of either Vidro or Soriano will be a National by April 1st, unless Vidro is hurt.

- Dunn will not go anywhere in '06 or '07, unless the Reds are overwhelmed by an offer, i.e. Prior or Z caliber starting pitcher. Dunn's contract actually works against a team trying to trade for him if the 3rd year voids if traded.

- Zito will stay put and leave via free agency regardless of the standings. Beane seems to prefer to either let his players leave as FA and take the compensatory draft picks, or trade during the off-season.

[CP_414]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

 

Depending on where the teams are in the standings, I think the following could be moved:

 

1. Soriano. My guess is he's moved sooner than later, but if he's a National on July 31 and if the Nationals are out of the race, he's going to be finding a new home.

 

2. Moises Alou: If the Giants falter again, I can see Alou finding a new home.

 

3. Schmidt: See Alou.

 

4. Luis Gonzalez: He has a no-trade clause, and so he's a bit more tricky. I'm sure he'll be shopped if Arizona isn't in contention.

 

5. Adam Dunn: Yes, Dunn just signed a three-year deal, but the last year is voided if he's traded. That means the Reds simply bought out his arby years which could make him more cost certain for a team acquiring him. I don't assume he'll be traded, but it could happen.

 

6. Tejada: I figure this would be a long shot, but it could happen. It would be a costly move for whoever acquires him.

 

7. Huff and Lugo: Both of these will find a new home between now and July 31.

 

8. Zito: If the A's are out of it, yes, but I doubt the A's will be out of it.

 

As the divisional races begin to shake out in June or July, this picture will become much clearer.

 

If I were the Cubs, I would only be interested in possibly acquiring Lugo or Schmidt, and even then, only for minor league prospects and middle relievers. I have no interest in Alou in this point in his career, but I'd still take him over Huff hands down. Huff stinks and even if we could have him for free, I wouldn't start him at any position he has played. The rest figure to be very pricey and command major league players.

 

You wouldn't start Huff over Jones? I would.

[srbin84]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

[CP_414]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

[CP_414]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

 

You're right that he is not certain to return to those numbers, but he might. And if he doesn't his numbers will be about the same as Jones' numbers.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

 

You're right that he is not certain to return to those numbers, but he might. And if he doesn't his numbers will be about the same as Jones' numbers.

 

Unless Jones reverts to these numbers, 300/341/511, which he might.

[srbin84]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

 

You're right that he is not certain to return to those numbers, but he might. And if he doesn't his numbers will be about the same as Jones' numbers.

 

That was my original point. Looking at what they have done in the last couple years, down years for both, Jones is still the better player because offensively, they are pretty much the same and Jones has other skills besides batting.

[CP_414]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

 

You're right that he is not certain to return to those numbers, but he might. And if he doesn't his numbers will be about the same as Jones' numbers.

 

Unless Jones reverts to these numbers, 300/341/511, which he might.

 

He put up that line 4 seasons ago and hasn't matched it since. Maybe he will in 2006, I hope he does, but I'll bet against it. In my mind, Huff is far more likley to return to his productive days because he had 3 productive seasons followed by 1 down year. Jones on the other hand had 1 (maybe 2) productive seasons followed by 2 (maybe 3) down seasons entering 2006. I hope I'm wrong and Jones hits .300/.341/.511.

[CP_414]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

 

You're right that he is not certain to return to those numbers, but he might. And if he doesn't his numbers will be about the same as Jones' numbers.

 

That was my original point. Looking at what they have done in the last couple years, down years for both, Jones is still the better player because offensively, they are pretty much the same and Jones has other skills besides batting.

 

And my point is that I would rather take the risk that Huff can return to 2002, 2003, 2004 form than settle for accepting those numbers, and worst case scenerio you get those numbers with worse defense.

[Jehrico]

Huff might be slighty better offensively than Jones, and I am not a fan of the Jones signing by the way, but Huff's defense is so attrocious that I couldn't start him over Jones. Factor in Jones' speed and I think he is a better player than Huff.

 

Agreed. Huff would have to return to previous offensive levels that he hasn't shown he can get back to in order for him to be an upgrade over Jones.

 

I'll agree that Huff's numbers were bad last season, but he is 1 year removed from a 297/.360/.493 line with 29 HR's and 104 RBI's.

In 2003 he went .311/.367/.555 with 34 HR's and 107 RBI's.

In 2002 (113 games) he went .313/.364/.520 with 23 HR's and 59 RBI's.

 

Why do you think he "hasn't shown he can get back to" those numbers? He had 1 down season, where he opened the season playing through an injury, bounced between 4 poisitions, and voiced frustration (multiple times) about still being a Devil Ray. I think with a stable position and a change of scenery he can absolutly get back to those numbers.

 

Jones hasn't hit above .254 in the last 2 years, never has had a .350 obp, hasn't slugged .500 since 2002, and despite his speed he has 67 steals while being caught 40 times in his career. He is clearly the better defensive player, but this club needs more offense.

 

It's not just that he had a down year, but it's how it happened. He hit for a much lower average(which isn't particularly worrying), and on top of that his IsoP dropped as well. Whether that's due to the scarlet S, or injuries, or whatever, he's not certain to return to that former production.

 

On the other hand, no one EVER is certain to return to previous form after a down year. Huff, IMO, is much more likely than Jones to return to his norm, and his norm is much better than Jones best.

[Jehrico]

 

Unless Jones reverts to these numbers, 300/341/511, which he might.

 

He put up that line 4 seasons ago and hasn't matched it since. Maybe he will in 2006, I hope he does, but I'll bet against it. In my mind, Huff is far more likley to return to his productive days because he had 3 productive seasons followed by 1 down year. Jones on the other hand had 1 (maybe 2) productive seasons followed by 2 (maybe 3) down seasons entering 2006. I hope I'm wrong and Jones hits .300/.341/.511.

 

He is pretty unlikely to revert to that line in the NL Central with the unbalanced schedule, which is loaded with lefties this year. Huff had OBPs over .350 against lefties the three years before 2005. Jones is lucky to put up a .300 OBP against lefties. Jones also has a daytime OBP over the last three years of around .290 or so. Huff's daytime OBP over the last three years is also around .350. Huff not only can hit lefties and righties, but he can hit during the day. As bad as Jones is, his splits during the day are worse.

 

He has said he had been trying to pull the ball alot more and do more to carry the Twins subpar offense the last two years, and that is why his numbers have gone down. I sure as heck hope that is the case, and he can get back to hitting .300 with mediocre power for a corner OFer. If that isn't the reason he's stunk the last couple of years, then it's going to be a long season for him in right. 3 year contract or not, if we can get Huff, trade him or buy him out.

[CubfaninCA]

What players should we expect to be on the block at the deadline? I doubt Dunn moves, since he just signed a 3-year deal. Tejada? Huff? Schmidt? Zito? Gonzo? Soriano? Manny? Floyd? Abreu?

 

A newspaper report today said the Marlins may not be able to keep Cabrera beyond this season. Would he still be willing to play LF? Would we offer the farm for Miggy?

 

I can see Philly & Baltimore not playing well and Abreu & Tejada being available. As for the others..

 

Schmidt & Zito - No. SF and Oakland will be competitive.

 

Manny, Cabrera & Floyd - No.

 

Soriano - Maybe. Can see that being a mess & Washington's in a tough division w/ Atl & NY.

 

Huff - Yes. But TB's will ask for Pie, Hill, Williams & Prior.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

He is pretty unlikely to revert to that line in the NL Central with the unbalanced schedule, which is loaded with lefties this year. Huff had OBPs over .350 against lefties the three years before 2005. Jones is lucky to put up a .300 OBP against lefties. Jones also has a daytime OBP over the last three years of around .290 or so. Huff's daytime OBP over the last three years is also around .350. Huff not only can hit lefties and righties, but he can hit during the day. As bad as Jones is, his splits during the day are worse.

 

He has said he had been trying to pull the ball alot more and do more to carry the Twins subpar offense the last two years, and that is why his numbers have gone down. I sure as heck hope that is the case, and he can get back to hitting .300 with mediocre power for a corner OFer. If that isn't the reason he's stunk the last couple of years, then it's going to be a long season for him in right. 3 year contract or not, if we can get Huff, trade him or buy him out.

 

Too much research, my point was simply "what if" and "he might" works both ways. I do not believe Jones will revert to those numbers as much as I think it's ludacrous to think Huff more than likely will.

[srbin84]

Another thing you have to remember with Jones. If we are talking about having to have Huff or Jones in RF, Jones cost only money and draft compensation. Huff probably would have cost at least one of Guzman, Hill, Pie, Murton. Edited February 28, 2006 by srbin84

[CP_414]

It's been clear for the last few years Huff is a different player. He had that absolutely awful season in 2004 and in 2005 he improved a lot but still was a below average hitter and defender for his position. Maybe it was an injury he could never fully recover from, but I tend to believe it may have been steroid related. I'm just speculating here and have no evidence, but it's logical to believe he could have gotten off roids before 04, realized he sucked, then went to something else like HGH or whatever just to get back to mediocrity. Whatever the case, I don't think he would be a good pickup for a contending team and on top of that would probably cost a lot in trade. That's another thing you have to remember with Jones. If we are talking about having to have Huff or Jones in RF, Jones cost only money and draft compensation. Huff probably would have cost at least one of Guzman, Hill, Pie, Murton.

 

Huh?

 

2004: .297/.360/.493 29 HR's

2005: .261/.321/.428 22 HR's

 

What is awful about his 2004 and how was 2005 better?

[srbin84]

It's been clear for the last few years Huff is a different player. He had that absolutely awful season in 2004 and in 2005 he improved a lot but still was a below average hitter and defender for his position. Maybe it was an injury he could never fully recover from, but I tend to believe it may have been steroid related. I'm just speculating here and have no evidence, but it's logical to believe he could have gotten off roids before 04, realized he sucked, then went to something else like HGH or whatever just to get back to mediocrity. Whatever the case, I don't think he would be a good pickup for a contending team and on top of that would probably cost a lot in trade. That's another thing you have to remember with Jones. If we are talking about having to have Huff or Jones in RF, Jones cost only money and draft compensation. Huff probably would have cost at least one of Guzman, Hill, Pie, Murton.

 

Huh?

 

2004: .297/.360/.493 29 HR's

2005: .261/.321/.428 22 HR's

 

What is awful about his 2004 and how was 2005 better?

 

I totally messed up that statement. Somehow I confused the first half of 2005 with 2004, that was stupid of me. Still, I maintain the same statment just during 2005 rather than between 04 and 05, which makes sense now anyway because that was when the drug program was initiated.

[frostwyrm]

I'd rather have Huff than Jones. Jones is just plain bad, while Huff at least has a chance to be much better than Jones. Even if Huff has another lousy year on par with 2005 he wouldn't be much worse than Jones, and the potential upside would make Huff a better gamble.